Established in 1977, Art Barn School of Art is a not for profit organization located on 69 acres of beautiful pastoral farmland in Jackson Township. The school is housed in a century old renovated barn, and the farmhouse is artist residence. Each season here inspires painters in oil, acrylic and watercolor, sculptors, photographers, and art lovers from all over the country. Works of local and national artists are on exhibit, and summer workshops are taught by nationally acclaimed professionals. Our ongoing schedule of events include yearly exhibitions, juried shows, classes, and workshops for all ages and levels of talent.

Route 6 is now OPEN! Come to the Blitz from the north!

So What's an Art Blitz?

Have you wondered if you have an undiscovered artistic side? Come find out at the Art Barn School of Art festival. The Art Blitz is a chance to explore various forms of art media and immerse yourself in the creative process.

We thank the Porter County Community Foundation for support through its "Sparking the Arts" fund.

There will be activities for entire families, from children to adults, and from novices to experienced artists. Meet local artists sharing their skills in a variety of mini-classes. Watch plein air (outdoor) painting, add to the giant found-item mandala, experiment with clay, create recycled-item sculptures and play in the fairy garden. Canvas painting, terrarium making, learning how to draw faces, and zentangle, are just some of the art activities scheduled throughout both days. Feel free to interact with the artists who are painting or creating on site. Ask them about their medium and painting techniques. You can even explore your musical side by joining our afternoon drum circle or try your hand at musical instruments guided by area music teachers in the instrument garden.

Food is available from Rolling Stonebaker and Hot Diggity Dawg and the Art Barn snack booth. Libations will be available for you to enjoy while you relax and listen to the sounds of nature, take a hike on one of the wooded trails, or enjoy strains of music from various live musical groups including the popular group "Switchback".

Interact with creative puppets from the VonOrthal Puppets and Marionette Puppetry by Ralph Kipness.

The Art Barn has also collaborated with "Lorie's Ride" to be a Saturday morning stop for the hundreds of bicyclists who will be touring our region.

Bring a lawn chair and stay awhile. Some lucky visitors will win one of several raffle prizes of art supplies and classes.
Participating artists will have works on display in the main art gallery studio space, a century old renovated and re-purposed barn.
You can purchase a painting or an item from the gift shop to take home and enjoy. The Art Barn School of Art has been serving the community for more than 40 years and is committed to encouraging and supporting the arts.

To help support the festival, raffle prizes, donations and volunteers are welcome.

Playing everything from bluegrass to country to blues to jazz and rock 'n' roll, with Celtic thrown in as well, Switchback has been on the road since 1993, stopping only long enough to create some great albums and DVDs.

VonOrthal Puppets is dedicated to brining children and adults quality cultural experiences in the puppetry arts. Our hope is that we will inspire the creative imagination in you that we have found essential to our work.

Our performances integrate story, music and various puppetry techniques to bring this ancient and magical art form to life.

VonOrthal Puppets have been captivating audiences for over a decade. Combining traditional European, Japanese and American puppetry techniques, their unique style blends imagination, music, story, and expressively alive characters known for high artistic quality.

Special thanks to United Way for hosting a Day of Caring on August 4th and bringing community and businesses closer together! Thank you to the the volunteers who came out to the Art Barn to help us on our mission to renew and revitalize!

Monday Night Watercolor Classes

The basic beginner class is designed for those who have had little or no experience with painting and want to acquire basic watercolor techniques to create juicy, colorful compositions. Join us!

Class sessions are on a rotational basis.Contact us for the next start date

Drawing for Scaredy Cats will make a believer out of you! Instructor Susan Rosso has a gentle approach and an amazing way of helping anyone young or old learn to "see" and accurately represent a drawing on the page. $90 for 6 weeks, materials included.

Class sessions are on a rotational basis.Contact us for the next start date